Watchtower: "Shining As Illuminators in The World", 1977
Watchtower: "Shining As Illuminators in The World", 1977
Watchtower: "Shining As Illuminators in The World", 1977
Getting Acquainted
with Jehovah as a Person
OPENING DISCUSSION
Getting acquainted with Jehovah as a person means
more than being convinced that there is a God. It
means coming to appreciate his marvelous qualities, his
purposes, and his ways of doing things. Although we
will never fully understand his incomparable wisdom
and loving ways, what we can come to know about him
will enrich our lives. It will motivate us to give him
the praise that is due.
The apostle Peter states that, since we are near the
end of this system, we should be concentrating on
"what sort of persons" we ought to be in "deeds of
godly devotion." Godly devotion has to do with how
we feel about Jehovah as a person. If a person develops
for Jehovah the kind of feeling that he would have
for a respected and dearly loved father, then deeds
indicating that attitude will be naturally forthcoming.
Mal. 1:6; 2 P e t 3:11.
Jehovah has a lifesaving work for us to do by means
of our public preaching and disciple-making. Paul
refers to himself and Apollos as Jehovah's fellow work-
ers. Similarly, as we develop this close acquaintance-
ship with Jehovah, the feeling of being a fellow worker
grows. We more freely call on Jehovah in prayer. By
cooperating closely with him in his work, we are as-
sured of his presence and backing.1 Cor. 3:6-9; 2 Cor.
6:1.
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Your desire is to continue in the pioneer service and
to enjoy it. Your continuing to find pleasure in this
work depends in considerable measure on the extent
to which you exert yourself to know Jehovah as a
person.
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PERFECT EXAMPLES
What are some expressions of love from Jehovah and
Jesus Christ that you appreciate? (John 3:16; Acts
14:16, 17; John 15:13; M a t t 9:35-38)
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Field Service
House-to-house field service for two hours. Instructor
may work with one or more of the students. His wife
(if he is married) may work with one or more of the
sisters. Other experienced pioneers in the area may
also be used to work with students if this is appropriate.
Encourage all, while in the field service, to concen-
trate on showing love for the people they meet, a sin-
cere personal interest in them as well as a kindly con-
sideration for their point of view.
After the field activity, the group will return and
discuss together how they handled various situations
and how these might be more effectively handled on
another occasion. It is an opportunity for you to learn
from the expressions and experiences of others as well
as by reflecting on your own activity.
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Unit 4 (a)
The Operation of
the Christian Congregation of God
OPENING DISCUSSION
As a pioneer publisher of the good news you most
likely are working in close association with other
brothers and sisters. But even if you are working all
alone in an isolated field you are still part of the Chris-
tian congregation of God. This means that you enjoy
certain privileges of association as well as having defi-
nite responsibilities in that regard.
When we use the word "congregation" today we
usually are referring to a local assembly of Jehovah's
people. However, the same word may be used when we
speak of the worldwide association of Christian broth-
era. It also may be used to designate the 144,000
anointed ones in particular.Col. 4:15; 1 Pet. 5:9;
Heb. 12:23.
The way in which the Christian congregation of God
operates is of special interest to all of Jehovah's ser-
vants. A fuller understanding of its operation can en-
able you personally to cooperate more fully with the
congregation and thereby to be more effective in ful-
filling your individual responsibilities as a member of
the congregation.
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Field Service
Field service. This is an opportunity for you to use
in the field some of the Bible subjects that we have
been discussing this afternoon. At the same time re-
member the importance of showing personal interest
in those you meet Students can work with the in-
structor, his wife or other experienced pioneers as out-
lined for the second day.
In many areas it has been found that late afternoon
or early evening is a productive time for field service,
as more people are at home and willing to talk. So, it
is recommended that the group continue their work
into the early evening, or do evening work, if this is
possible.
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Unit 7 (a)
Jesus Christ
- T h e Way, the Truth, the Life
OPENING DISCUSSION
Jesus told his apostles: "You will be witnesses of
me . . . to the most distant p a r t of the earth." (Acts
1:8) You axe having a share in the fulfillment of t h a t
prophecy. You are, of course, primarily a witness of
Jehovah. B u t when you talk about His loving provisions
you are also bearing witness to Jesus, because he is
"the way and the truth and the life."--John 14:6.
It is vitally important to aid sincere persons to ap-
preciate Jesus' role in God's purpose. He is "the way";
there is no approach to the Father except through him.
He is "the truth," not a shadow but the reality; he
fulfills the many inspired prophecies identifying him
as the Messiah. (John 1:17) So understanding of the
Bible depends on accepting Jesus as the Christ. He is
also "the life"; all our prospects for eternal life depend
on the provisions made through him, the "Chief Agent
of life."Acts 3:15.
As you teach interested ones, be sure t h a t you do
not allow them to glorify you because of the things
that they are learning with your help, but t h a t they
become disciples of Jesus Christ. Jehovah's will is t h a t
"every tongue should openly acknowledge t h a t Jesus
Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father."Phil.
2:11.
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THE PERSON
How is it that Jesus is God's "firstborn" Son? (Col.
1:15)
Why does the Bible say that Jesus is God's "only-
begotten" Son? (John 1:3, 14; compare Hebrews
11:17.)
When Colossians 1:16, 17 says that "by means of him
all other things were created," does that mean that
Jesus could claim the rank of co-Creator? (Matt.
19:4-3)
What was Jesus' position in the creation? (Gen.
1:26; Prov. 8:30)
In what way is Jesus "the Word"? (John 1:1; 12:50)
How would you aid someone to understand and have
faith in Jesus' prehuman existence and position?
(John 8:23, 42, 58)
THE WAY
How only is reconciliation to God possible for sinful
humans? (Rom. 5:11)
In what way has Jesus made possible for us such
an approved standing before God? (Rom 5:18;
Heb. 9:22-26; 1 Tim. 2:5)
63
To whom are the benefits of this provision available?
(Eph. 2:18; Acts 10:43; 1 John 2:2)
What is the final outcome for those who avail them-
selves of this loving provision? (Heb. 7:25)
How is it true that Jesus is "the way" as to our ap-
proach to God in prayer? (John 16:23,24; 2 Cor, 1:20)
In what ways can we show that we do not take lightly
the importance of Jesus' role as "the w a y ?
THE TRUTH
How did Jesus "bear witness to the truth"? (John
18:37) By his entice life course as the sent one. (Luke
24:44)
So, how is it that "the truth came to be through
Jesus"? (John 1:17; Heb. 8:4, 5; 10:1-5: Aid, p. 923
4)
Not alone by being God's spokesman but also by his
miraculous works in fulfillment of all the prophecies
centered in him. (Col. 2:17; Rom. 15:8)
THE LIFE
According to Matthew 20:28, what was one reason why
Jesus came to earth?
What is the ransom price that Jesus paid to release
us from sin and death? (1 Pet. 1:18, 19)
EFFECTS ON YOU
What does Jesus' being "the way and the truth and
the life" mean to you?
Of what value is this information to you in your
life and in the field?
65
How can you instill appreciation for Jesus Christ into
those with whom you
(a) Do secular work?
(b) Conduct home Bible studies?
(c) Have conversations in the field?
[EXAMPLES: A person says, 'You people do not
believe in Jesus,' or, 'Have you accepted Jesus as
your persona] Savior?' or, 'Why do you put so much
emphasis on Jehovah and leave Jesus out?' How
will you explain?]
Unit 7 (b)
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"Make Sure
of the More Important Things''
OPENING DISCUSSION
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Unit 10 (Q)
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Unit 11 (a)
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MOVING TO WHERE THE NEED IS GREATER
Is it necessary to move to where the need is greater in
order to share in the evangelizing work? (Matt. 24:14)
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Does this mean that, when properly planned and
done with the right motive, such a move is not
beneficial? (Acts 1:8; 15:3)
Before moving far away, why would it be wise first to
consider the need in your own congregation or a nearby
congregation?
If you wish to move to another area, why may it be
wise to write the branch office for information con-
cerning locations where help is needed? (Luke 14:28)
What should be your motive in moving to serve where
the need is greater? (Acts 20:24)
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Entertainment
If the unbelieving husband of a sister asks her to go
with him to a dinner with his business associates,
how might the following questions help her to make
her decision?
Is such an occasion condemned in God's Word?
To what sort of place will they be going?
With whom will they be?
What good or what harm might result to her re-
lationship with her husband if she went? If she
refused?
Might others be stumbled if they saw her going
into such a place?
Does she have "doubts" that might result in her
being stumbled if she went?
What would she do if there were patriotic cere-
monies included in the program?
140
What would she do if a clergyman were called on
to pray?
Why might it be helpful to discuss some of these
matters with her husband, so he could know her
stand and what to expect if she did go along?
(Other situations may be considered if it is felt it
would be helpful and appropriate. Be careful that
you do not try to impose your opinion on others.
Rather, bring Scriptural principles into focus.)
How do the following scriptures help you to see the
need to aid interested ones to educate, strengthen
and use their consciences as they gain knowledge
of Jehovah and his will? (1 Tim. 1:5,19; 1 P e t 3:21)
How is it that discussing situations they may en-
counter and the Bible principles involved can aid
them to strengthen and use their consciences?
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DIRECTING P E O P L E TO T H E CHRISTIAN
CONGREGATION
Field Service
Field service for two hours. If studies have been
started they can be conducted during this time. If it
is possible to take someone with you from the local
congregation who can continue the study after you
leave, this should be done.
If there are return visits to be made on interested
people whom you located last week, it may be t h a t
you can start studies with these people. Or if you will
be doing house-to-house work, make it your goal to
start studies on the initial call, if this is possible.
After the field service, the group will return and
discuss together what they did and how they handled
various situations. It will be another opportunity for
all to review their activity, to benefit from the observa-
tions of others and to consider how they can improve
their effectiveness in the work.
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Unit 16 (a)
Our Responsibility
to God and to Caesar
OPENING DISCUSSION
QUESTION OUTLINE
CONGREGATION
Why should you consider yourself in the congregation
simply as a publisher who spends much time in field
service?
What should be your attitude toward cooperating with
all in the congregation, the elders and all the other
publishers?
Describe the cooperation you wish to receive from
the elders and other publishers in the congregation.
If you feel it is difficult to get other publishers in the
congregation to work with you in the service, what
can you do to encourage them to do so?
What initiative do you take to offer support to them
in their service?
Explain how and why the meetings for field service in
the congregation are an assistance to you in your
pioneer work.
Does meeting with the group sometimes present
problems? Explain.
What problems in the assignment and working of ter-
ritories in t h e congregation do you encounter?
Could you offer some suggestions or relate experiences
to illustrate how this could be handled more ef-
fectively?
When you find interest in the territory that you cannot
properly take care of, what arrangements can you
make to assist these people?
178
Describe problems you may have had in obtaining
sufficient literature, magazines, forms, supplies, and
so forth, to work with.
What suggestions do you have to offer for resolving
these problems?
What attitude and feeling do others in the congregation
have toward your pioneer service?
Explain how you can offer encouragement and share
an "interchange of encouragement" with them.
If you are fined for witnessing, would you pay the fine
or not? Why? (See w75, pp. 223, 224.)
Your Part in
Keeping the Congregation Clean
OPENING DISCUSSION
WHOLESOME REMINDERS
Why do we need to be careful as to what we feed our
minds and hearts? (Matt. 12:34; 15:19)
Why may a pioneer not be wise to single out and be
constantly accompanying or studying with one of the
opposite sex, if not his marriage mate?
What temptations and problems could arise?
As shown by the following scriptures, how may per-
sons be led away from the way of the truth? (Gen.
34:1, 2: Neh. 13:26; 2 Tim. 4:10; 2 John 1, 8:1 Cor.
15:33)
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Address
811 Haven S t . S.E. Atlanta, G a 30315
(Street and n u m b e r i (City) < Prov. or S t a i d (Zone or Code)
R e p o r t for m o n t h o f
February . 77
..--13
5 3 30* 1 30 10 5
1 ^
P l e a s e make out one r e p o r t card at the end of each m o n t h a n d p r o m p t l y give It to Ihc field
overseer If you were u n a b l e to devote 90 h o u r s to t h e field service d u r i n g t h e month, briefly s t a t e
t h e reason h e r e or on th$ o t h e r side. If you a r e working alone and n o t u n d e r a congregation
assignment m e n send youi- r e p o r t to the Society's branch office direct.
Lakewood, A t L a n t a , Ga
(Congregation > ' S i g n a t u r e of p r e s i d i n ? o v e r s e e n
S-2JX) 10/76 T i n t e d in U.S.A.
*Had an o p e r a t i o n . See l e t t e r of 2/23/77 '
Sample #2
HLLASE PRINT
...5, ItfEERESIED
(Name j
ATLANTA GA
GA 30315
(City i (Province or S l a t e ) [/.one or C o d e '
LANGUAGE GERMAN
CONG.4_i-J^- 'NEW 1
YEAR 0*
NQ. .S7T>-!*..
A WAKE! Subscriplion RENEWAL G MONTHS
Watchtower S o c i e t y
117 Adams S t r e e t
Brooklyn. New York 11201
Dear B r o t h e r s :
I am w r i t i n g about ay d e s i r e to remain in the r e g u l a r
pioneer s e r v i c e . Recently I had a p h y s i c a l examination t h a t
showed t h a t I had g a l l s t o n e s . I had an o p e r a t i o n . I had to
remain in the h o s p i t a l two weeks. I am now at home but must
keep my a c t i v i t y q u i t e limited for the n e x t month. Even a f t e r
t h a t , I must be c a r e f u l for a month or so as to how much I e x e r t
myself.
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EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY
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Verse 11
How do you respond to the help and training of the
teachers in your congregation?
Verse 12
Why should you not let your physical age or years
in the pioneer service be an obstacle to your ad-
vancement?
How do you feel that you can become an example
in
(a) Speaking?
(b) Conduct?
(c) Love?
(d) Faith?
(e) Chasteness?
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Verse 13
Explain your own goals as to
(a) Public reading.
(b) Exhortation.
(c) Teaching.
Verse 14
How can you avoid neglecting the opportunities t h a t
are available to you in the pioneer service?
Verse 15
What is necessary on your p a r t in order for your
advancement to be manifest to all? How do you do
this?
Verse IS
Why is it important to pay attention to what you
are as an individual? To what you teach others?
What will be the outcome if you really stay by the
t t e i g s t h a t we have discussed from God's Word?
Explain how diligence in the following matters can
contribute to your progress:
(a) Caring for your family responsibilities. (Titus
2:3*7)
(b) Putting the welfare of others ahead of personal
convenience. (1 Cor. 10:24)
(c) Keeping material pursuits secondary to spiritual
pursuits. (1 Tim. 6:6-8)
(d) Avoiding associations and entertainment t h a t
can corrupt morals. (Phil. 4:8, 9)
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Point out how you feel that advancement could be
made in the following matters:
(a) Conversing in a manner that upbuilds. (Eph.
4:25, 29)
(b) Improving ability to answer questions about our
beliefs. (Col. 4:6)
(c) Having a humble estimate of self. (Rom. 12:3)
(d) Freely forgiving and overlooking the short-
comings of others. (Col. 3:13)
How can your goal to be a better pioneer be enhanced
by adjustments in your personal schedule?
[EXAMPLES: Personal study, working with your mate
and cjiildren, meeting and working with field service
groups, weekend witnessing when others can share,
taking care of home and domestic duties, and so
forth.]
Reaching Those
Not Religiously Inclined
OPENING DISCUSSION
In many parts of the earth the majority of the people
are not religiously inclined. But some of them have
been assisted to make a change in their thinking, and
they are now active praisers of Jehovah.
To reach those not religiously inclined, it is helpful
to know why some have become irreligious, also what
they believe now and why. This puts us in position to
be empathetic in our dealing with them.1 Cor. 9:19-23.
Those who are not religiously inclined include sev-
eral groups with varying viewpoints. There are atheists,
who deny the existence of God. Then there are ag-
nostics, who say that no one can know whether there
is a God or not. There are also deists, who believe in
God but who feel that He remains indifferent to His
creation. In addition, the materialists believe that the
only thing that a person needs to consider in life is
his own material well-being and that this is what should
determine his conduct. These latter remind us of the
Epicureans of old, who believed that getting pleasure
out of life without doing harm to oneself was the main
objective in living.Acts 17:18; 1 Cor. 15:32.
Among the chief reasons why persons have become
irreligious or atheistic are: (1) the hypocrisy of re-
ligionists, (2) corruption and wickedness prevailing
without their being aware of any divine intervention,
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229
(3) no satisfying answers to their questions about God
and conditions on earth, (4) acceptance of what
"science" says about evolution, taught from childhood
onward, (5) giving in to the inclinations of the flesh
and the bad influence of their environment.
These viewpoints that contribute to the irreligious
outlook of so many persons bring dishonor to our God,
Jehovah. We want to do all that we can to magnify His
wisdom, love and righteousness. We should also desire
to free others from suffering the present frustrations
and the future destruction that will come from per-
sisting in a course of ungodliness.
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